chilling in chiang mai

although i have been to thailand quite a few times before, most of these journeys had been some where in the south, mostly on a beach. however, this time we decided to try something a bit different and head to the northern part of the country, specifically the city of chiang mai. we took an overnight train and arrived early the next day to a surprisingly chilled out town. bangkok was everything chiang mai isn't: loud, dirty, noisy. chiang mai was almost sleepy, but oozed charm through every nook and cranny. the next day, we left on our tour and i was feeling a little apprehensive about the trip, but looking at our fellow trekkers i could see that most were of the same opinion.

as it turned out, the elephant trek turned out to be more trek than elephant. we only got about an hours' ride on the elephants, but it was more than enough. it was uncomfortable and the beasts were sutbborn, stopping about every 10 feet or so to reach back for a banana. after the elephant ride, we then had to take a 2 hour hike uphill to get to the village where we would be spending the evening. i was out of breath in no time and quickly realized that i need to get back into shape (or maybe i should say, get in shape as it's hard to get back into something you never were in the first place) finally, after huffing and puffing my way up the hill we got to the village. there wasn't any electricity, limited plumbing and completely remote. the sleeping was a communal hut on raised legs that slept about 20 bodies, but was dry and safe. the only real commodity we had was beer which was drank in abundance by all. we passed the night singing and talking and generally having a good time.

the next day, we had to set off early for the 2 hour walk back, this time downhill(thankfully!) we soon arrived at a river where we were meant to float down the remainder of the way. yours truly was voluntold to help navigate using a bamboo pole and for the first few minutes, things went 'swimmingly.' i did end up in the drink a few times, but no harm done. eventually, our trip was over and it was time to head back in to town for warm showers and beds.

the next day, we once again had to catch the train back to bangkok and it went off without a hitch. as i settled in, i spotted not one, not two, not three but 15 mormons. i sighed a heavy sigh. i thought, well they are just travelling with us so it should be ok. wrong. as soon as the train got underway, they started their usual tricks and tried to recruit people on the train! aghast, i summoned the attendant and had him make up my bed quickly so i could hide from these do-gooders.

now, i am a firm believer in freedom of expression and freedom of religion. that said, i believe that individuals should exercise these rights and not force them unto others. that's my problem with mormons...their values are great as are their intentions to do good, but please respect me when i say no the first time and don't feel sorry for me because i'm not hip to your good-time, christian vibe. i know you get spiritual points or whatever for the more souls you save, but some how i don't think the almighy really keeps score that way. seems like mormonism is sort of like the teachers'pet of religions, polishing apples to get recognition. well, whatever floats your boat but leave the rest of us out of it.

next up, our last leg of the journey and fun in the sun